MANILA — There is a need to amend Republic Act No. 8189 in order to allow the conduct of a “register anywhere” system, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, however, said they are looking at the possibility of accepting application registration anywhere or allowing a qualified voter to register outside the Office of Election Officer (OEO) where he/she resides.
“The Comelec is still working on a system that will allow a 'registration-anywhere' model,” he said in his Twitter account, @jabjimenez.
Under the law known as the Voter's Registration Act of 1996, registration refers to the “act of accomplishing and filing of a sworn application for registration by a qualified voter before the election officer of the city or municipality, wherein he resides”.
He added that what they can do for the moment is to hold a satellite registration system.
“Until that provision - and all other provisions premised on that definition - are amended, best we can do is satellite registration within the same city/municipality,” Jimenez said.
Incidentally, the system of continuing registration is scheduled to end on September 29.
All OEOs nationwide, except for Marawi City, are ready to receive applications for voter registration. They are open from 8 am to 5 pm, every Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays.
Likewise, satellite registrations are being held, where field officials go to barangays, public plazas, schools, and other public places to register voters. (PNA)
